Horse euthanized after being hit by car near Yolo County Airport

A horse didn't survive an early evening car crash Monday that for a time brought out searchers looking for its rider, the California Highway Patrol reported.

According to the CHP, the accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when Blanca A. Vigil, 27, of Winters, was driving her 2004 Chrysler Concord north on County Road 95, just north of CR-25 and north of the Yolo County Airport.

Vigil struck the full grown horse as it ran onto the road, resulting in major damage to the front of her vehicle and pain to her back. She was taken to Woodland Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, a vet was called to the scene, who determined the horse needed to be put down due to the extent of its injuries.

During the investigation, it was also discovered the horse had a small saddle on it, leading officials to believe the horse may have held a rider. A search ensued of nearby farmland which included an aircraft. However, no rider was found, and as of Monday night the owner of the horse had also not been determined.